An angle grinder or grinder is one of the most necessary tools in the workshop. You can use it to do different types of work: cut a profile pipe, strip paint, make grooves in a brick wall. If you intend to purchase an angle grinder, be sure to read our article about which angle grinder is suitable for home use and the most common work in the workshop and in the country.
Angle grinders (angle grinders) of different models are available to a wide range of users. How to choose an angle grinder that would best satisfy the client’s needs. Let's try to answer this question, figure out what kind of tool it is, what its parameters are.
What is a grinder used for and what main parts does it consist of?
This instrument received the nickname “grinder” back in Soviet times at the beginning of 1970. Angle grinders received this name because of their country of origin; production was launched at the Eltos plant in Bulgaria. The angle grinder was designed by Ackermann + Schmitt (FLEX-Elektrowerkzeuge GmbH) in Steinheim an der Mur in 1954. The angle grinder quickly became popular among professionals because the tool became universal.
The use of special equipment allows angle grinders to perform cutting and grinding operations on a wide range of different materials:
Ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as their alloys
Natural and artificial stone
Ceramic and silicate bricks
Concrete and products made from it
All types of ceramic tiles
Sanding wood
It is not recommended to use a grinder for cutting glass and wood; due to the high linear speed at the point of contact of the equipment, overheating + possible ignition occurs. Now special circular saws are produced for working on wood with tips made from special refractory alloys. This equipment must be used with caution to avoid overheating. The above list of materials defines the main types of work for the use of angle grinders.
This power tool is widely used:
- In construction.
- At enterprises related to metalworking.
- In car service workshops for body work.
Household owners actively use angle grinders to perform household work. With its help, cutting and grinding of the above materials are carried out. This power tool, in particular, processes welding seams and removes scale. Such work does not take much time and allows you to avoid unnecessary impact loads on the weld.
The best professional angle grinder with power up to 2000 W
Professional grinders that support wheels up to 230 mm in diameter are used for deeper cuts and a much larger grinding area. You can cut fairly thick materials with this tool.
Makita GA5041C
The Makita GA5041C angle grinder is distinguished by increased functionality among its relatives. This angle grinder can perform cutting and grinding work on metal, concrete, and brick materials. The maximum disc diameter is 125 mm, and the rated power is 1400 W. The Makita GA5041C features a soft start function that protects the engine when peak loads are reached. The vibration absorption system will save the operator’s hands during long-term operation. The weight of the tool is quite convenient - 3.74 kg. As a disadvantage, one can point to the insufficient power of the model, which limits its functionality.
Price: RUB 8,919
DeWalt DWE490
The budget model DeWalt DWE490 is compact and ergonomic. The tool can work with any materials. Rated power - 2000 W. The model is equipped with a disk with a diameter of 230 mm. Despite the budget price, the product has motor protection from dust, a spindle lock function, protection against accidental starting, access to brushes for changing and a protective cover. The heavy weight of the tool may cause bewilderment - as much as 6 kg.
Price: RUB 7,709
Design of angle grinders, components
The design of angle grinders is characterized by a relatively simple and technologically advanced design, which made it possible to establish their production at many enterprises.
The angle grinder consists of the following parts:
- The body, which is made of reinforced polymers. Such materials are characterized by high strength, resistance to wear and environmental influences. On the outer surface there is a button to turn on the tool with a lock. Some models have windows covered with hatches for replacing drive brushes.
- An electric motor powered by a household network or batteries. Angler grinders use drives that can provide high shaft speeds. To cool the windings and other parts, a fan is installed on the front part of the axis.
- Single-stage bevel gearbox in a separate housing made primarily of magnesium or aluminum alloys. It consists of bevel gears, the shafts of which are mounted on ball or plain bearings. The interaction of the parts with each other in the gearbox is ensured by the housing, which is filled with grease.
- A spindle consisting of a shaft with a metric thread, a thick-walled washer and a nut for attaching a cutting disc or other equipment. On the gear housing there is usually a button on the opposite side that locks the shaft in place. This is necessary for dismantling and installing new equipment.
- The removable handle is threaded and can be screwed into the gear housing in one of the selected positions. This is done for the convenience of holding the power tool while performing various types of work.
- The protective casing covers part of the cutting disc and does not allow the sheaf of sparks that is formed during operation to fly away in all directions. The device protects the worker and surrounding objects from equipment wear products and material fragments formed during its processing.
The angle grinder is supplied to the consumer complete with a user manual and a special key for attaching the equipment. The latter is a steel strip with two pins that exactly match the holes of the fixing nut. In some cases, the manufacturer adds spare carbon brushes to the package.
Operating principle of an angle grinder
The angle grinder is driven by an electric motor, which is turned on by pressing a locking button or switch. Power is supplied from the network, as well as from a built-in or removable battery. Mostly, the tool is equipped with commutator electric motors, the stator winding of which has a high inductive resistance. This circumstance makes it possible to significantly reduce operating currents.
Spinning, the electric motor shaft rotates the drive gear in the gearbox, which drives the driven gear, and thus transmits force to the spindle. The mechanism body is made of magnesium or aluminum alloys to improve heat transfer. The gearing between gears is of two types: spur and helical (bevel Glisson system). The second option is preferable because it provides greater reliability and helps reduce noise.
More expensive and complex models use a release clutch installed between the engine and the gearbox. The main function of this unit is to prevent kickback when the disk suddenly stops due to jamming. This allows you to protect the operator from possible injury and the grinder components from damage. On such angle grinders, the spindle lock button can be pressed until it stops completely.
The choice of a design scheme in which the plane of rotation of the cutting disc or brush is parallel to the axis of the tool is explained quite simply. When an angle grinder operates, a significant torque occurs, tending to pull the tool to the side. This force is easily compensated by the operator due to the optimal positioning of the hands along and perpendicular to the axis.
Power, speed and tool diameter
Considering the significant difference in parameters between different models of angle grinders, the question arises, which is the best grinder to buy for home or work? It is necessary to decide: to perform, what operations are needed, what is the volume of expected work.
Rotational speed
One of the main parameters of an angle grinder is the linear speed of rotation of the wheel, which depends on the diameter of the wheel. The optimal value for this indicator is 80 m/s; a significant deviation in the rotation frequency towards an increase will lead to the destruction of the circle. A lower rotation speed causes rapid wear of the disc. There are five types of angle grinders, which vary in the size of the cutting wheels used.
The dependence of the spindle speed on the diameter of the working disk is as follows:
Data on the permissible rotation speeds of the cutting wheel for each specific model must be indicated on a special plate that is attached to the body. The amount of torque must be sufficient to overcome the resulting friction force and maintain the required cutting speed. This characteristic is determined by the rated power of the electric motor of the angle grinder.
Angle grinder power
The rated power of angle grinders ranges from 650 to 2700 W, and depends on the diameter of the disc used. Accordingly, angle grinders designed for large diameter discs have more powerful drives. With these parameters, the electric motor provides sufficient force on the cutting edge of the wheel to effectively influence the material being processed.
For normal operation, it is necessary that the power consumption of an angle grinder with a disk diameter of 125 mm be at least 750 W. Moreover, the larger the diameter of the permissible equipment, the more powerful the engine should be. So in models with a tooling diameter of 230 mm, which are intended for intensive use on construction sites, the engine power consumption must be at least 2200 W.
Tooling diameter
Be sure to decide what diameter of the equipment will be sufficient for your needs. Remember that you cannot use circles whose diameter is larger than the permissible one. Of course, you can do this by removing the protective cover, but such manipulations are prohibited, as they can lead to injury to the operator.
It is especially dangerous to use an angle grinder without a protective casing when working with metal discs with hard-melting tips, which, if they fly apart, can cause significant harm to health, including death. If you have such a desire, just find on the Internet photos of people who were injured by neglecting safety when working with angle grinders and this desire will disappear forever.
The diameter of the equipment is deeply related to such a parameter as the depth of cut. This point is especially important if you are going to use an angle grinder to cut curb stones and other thick materials. The cutting depth of the model with a disc diameter of 125 mm is only 30 mm - 35 mm, depending on the model. This is because the dimensions of the gearbox will not allow you to completely immerse the circle in the material.
Of course, you can cut a curb stone by making cuts on both sides. But it is more difficult to make such a high-quality cut, and it will take more time. Therefore, if you have to constantly cut such materials, then you should look towards “grinders” with a maximum disc diameter of 230 mm.
Angles with a small working circle are of little use for cutting super-hard materials, and large models are inconvenient for grinding car bodies.
The best grinder for the home with power up to 1100 W
Low-power household grinders up to 1100 W are perfect for performing various household tasks such as cutting PVC pipes or sanding doorways. They are inexpensive and lightweight. The standard disc diameter for such models is 125 mm. When working, it should be taken into account that such angle grinders are not designed for heavy loads, and when working with them, breaks are required every 15 minutes.
Elitech LNA 0811
One of the popular representatives of this segment is the compact and ergonomic angle grinder manufactured by Elitech LSHU 0811. With it you can easily cut and grind such durable materials as metal, concrete and brick. The grinder has a two-position side handle and is equipped with an additional spindle locking function. The rated power of the device is 750 W. The only drawback of the model is its fairly decent weight for this segment - 2.2 kg.
Price: ₽ 2,430
Makita GA5034
Another good household angle grinder is Makita GA5034. It is suitable for cutting and processing materials of various densities. The tool is easy to use and has well-thought-out ergonomics. The body, which is as comfortable as possible to grip, makes work easier and does not cause hand fatigue even when working with the tool for a long time. The nominal power of the angle grinder is 720 W. The tool is equipped with a spindle lock and a protective casing. The absence of vibrations during operation should also be taken into account as a plus.
Price: RUB 3,801
For home or professional model
To determine which grinder to choose for the home and which for intensive work, you need to proceed from its technical indicators. All power tools, including angle grinders, are divided into household and professional, depending on the time of continuous use. Household angle grinder models are designed for occasional use of 30-40 minutes a day.
Professional models are designed for internal use of the tool throughout the day or work shift. Professional angle grinders have enhanced protection from dust, noise and a number of systems that are designed to ensure the comfort and safety of the operator.
If the angle grinder is intended for small household work, then you should pay attention to models with disc diameters of 115 mm, 125 mm or 150 mm. The most common model for home use is an angle grinder with a disc diameter of 125 mm. To understand how to choose an angle grinder for your home, you need to outline the range of tasks to be solved and the list of materials to be processed. Obviously, purchasing an expensive professional tool in this case is unjustified.
As for professional models, the undisputed leader here is an angle grinder with a disc diameter of 230 mm. When choosing such a model, you should pay attention to the engine diameter. The larger the engine diameter, the greater the torque the angle grinder can develop, and this is very important during grueling operation.
Therefore, if you are choosing between two approximately equal angle grinders, give preference to the one that has a larger motor diameter and only secondarily look at the power. Some manufacturers themselves indicate the torque in the tool's data sheet, but many ignore this parameter.
Rating of the best manufacturers of angle grinders, review of models
After determining all the necessary parameters, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the most popular models of angle grinders present on the domestic market.
Budget models
This category includes angle grinders costing up to 5 thousand rubles.
| Model | Characteristics |
| Bort BWS-910-P Inexpensive, powerful and compact model designed for cutting and grinding various materials. Ideal for apartment renovations, small households, car service centers and small workshops. Power - 900 W. Idle speed 11 thousand rpm. Disc diameter - 125 mm. Weight - 1.6 kg. Power type - household power supply 200 V / 50 Hz. Safety is ensured by protection against accidental start-up. Equipment: side handle, key for changing the disc, protective cover, additional set of brushes. A special feature of this model is its ultra-compact dimensions. The length of the grinder is only 260 mm. Average cost 1800 rub. Advantages:
Flaws:
| |
| Hitachi G13SS One of the most convenient, inexpensive corded angle grinders designed for cutting and grinding materials. Scope of application: use in everyday life, construction, finishing work, production. Weight - 1.4 kg. Power - 580 W. The maximum spindle speed is 10 thousand rpm. The maximum disc size is 125 mm. The peculiarity of this model is its ergonomics and compact size. Despite its rather modest technical characteristics, the Hitachi G13SS angle grinder is positioned as a professional model. The average cost is 2100 rubles. Advantages:
Flaws:
| |
| Makita GA5030 A lightweight, convenient and compact network angle grinder designed for grinding, cleaning surfaces, and cutting various materials. Electric motor power 720 W. The maximum spindle speed is 11 thousand rpm. The maximum disc size is 125 mm. Functionality: rotation speed adjustment; speed stabilization system. Operational safety is ensured by protecting the motor from overloads and limiting the starting current. The tool is equipped with a case, a protective cover and a side handle for more reliable and precise work. Features of the model: small diameter of the case, providing a reliable grip and retention. The average cost is 3.5 thousand rubles. Advantages:
The disadvantage is the ill-conceived system for attaching the protective casing, which requires a shaped screwdriver. |
Middle price segment
This category includes models of grinders costing from 5 to 10 thousand rubles.
| Model | Characteristics |
| Hitachi G18SS A simple, reliable, fairly powerful and relatively heavy tool designed for cutting metal, concrete, stone, cleaning and processing welding seams. Power - 1.8 kW. Disk speed - 8500 rpm. Weight - 4.3 kg. Disc diameter - 180 mm. Despite the lack of additional functionality, good performance, a powerful electric motor, easy access to carbon brushes, and overheating protection helped earn the respect of our compatriots. The average cost is 6100 rubles. Advantages:
No deficiencies found. | |
| Makita GA9020SF An excellent professional angle grinder for working with a 230 mm disc. Features of the grinder: durability, resistance to overheating, presence of a dust protection system, reinforced bevel gears of the gearbox, the ability to rotate the gearbox housing in multiples of 90 degrees. The “superflange” makes it easier to dismantle the disk after work. Specifications:
The average cost is 7,500 rubles. Advantages:
Disadvantages: no speed stabilization. | |
| Bosch GWS 12-125 CIE According to reviews from consumers and experts, the Bosch GWS 12-125 CIE is one of the best professional angle grinders that can be purchased on the domestic market. Purpose: cutting metal, ceramics, stone, cleaning, grinding, removing rust. Engine power - 1.2 kW. Weight - 2.3 kg. Power type: mains 200 V/50 Hz. Functionality: starting current limitation, spindle lock, overload protection, speed stabilization system, power button lock. The kit includes a protective cover and an additional handle. The average cost is 10 thousand rubles. Advantages:
No deficiencies found. |
Premium models
This category includes angle grinder models costing from 10 thousand rubles.
| Model | Characteristics |
| Metabo WEVA 15-150 Quick An angle grinder equipped with all the necessary functionality to safely perform a wide variety of work. Power - 1550 W. The spindle speed is adjustable in the range from 2800 to 9600 rpm. The diameter of the equipment is 150 mm. Weight - 3.27 kg. Power supply: 200 V/50 Hz network. The features of this model are: narrow body, light weight, stabilization of rotation speed, auto-balancing of the disk, the presence of an anti-vibration handle and a safety clutch. The model is equipped with a quick-release nut that allows you to quickly change the cutting tool. The average cost is 12,300 rubles. Advantages:
Disadvantages: no carrying case. | |
| Bosch Gws 26-230 lvi A powerful professional angle grinder that allows its owner to perform almost any work related to cutting and grinding various materials. Power - 2.6 kW. The maximum disk rotation speed is 6500 rpm. The diameter of the nozzle is 230 mm. Weight - 5.6 kg. Features of the model: quick-release nut, vibration damping system, vibration handle, protection against unintentional start, soft start, starting current limitation, power button lock. The average cost is 21.5 thousand rubles. Advantages:
Disadvantages: the auto-balancing system is not implemented. | |
| BOSCH GWS 18-125 V-LI The cordless grinder allows you to cut metal, plastic, slate, thin-walled steel pipes and fittings in places where there is no power point. Spindle speed - 10,000 rpm. The maximum disc size is 125 mm. Power - 18 W. Features: convenient charge indicator, gear housing can be adjusted in 90-degree increments, handle installation on the left or right side, rotation-resistant protective casing. The kit includes a case, two batteries with a capacity of 4 A/h and a network charger. The average cost is 25 thousand rubles. Advantages:
Flaws:
|
For comparison, the main characteristics and capabilities of the angle grinders described above are presented in table form.
| Model | Disc diameter, mm | power, kWt | Speed | Weight, kg | Functional | Price | A comment |
| Bort BWS-910-P | 125 | 0,9 | 11000 | 1,6 | Accidental start protection | 1800 | A good option for cutting and grinding various materials |
| Hitachi G13SS | 125 | 0,58 | 10000 | 1,4 | Easy brush replacement | 2100 | Ergonomic and compact angle grinder for housework |
| Makita GA5030 | 125 | 0,72 | 11000 | 2.2 | Speed control, speed stabilization system, overload protection, starting current limitation | 3600 | An excellent option for solving most repair and construction problems |
| Hitachi G18SS | 180 | 1,8 | 8500 | 4.3 | overheat protection | 6100 | A good model for cutting metal, concrete, stone, stripping and processing welds. |
| Makita GA9020SF | 230 | 2.2 | 6600 | 5,9 | Dust protection system, “superflange” | 7500 | For professional use |
| Bosch GWS 12-125 CIE | 125 | 1,2 | 2 800/11 500 | 2,3 | Smooth start, spindle rotation adjustment, self-start blocking. | 10000 | One of the best models for cutting metal, ceramics, stone, stripping, grinding, rust removal |
| Metabo WEVA 15-150 Quick | 150 | 1,55 | 2800/ 9600 | 3,27 | Rotation speed stabilization, disc auto-balancing, safety clutch and quick-release nut | 12300 | Excellent angle grinder for safe performance of a wide variety of jobs |
| Bosch Gws 26-230 lvi | 230 | 2,6 | 6500 | 5.6 | Quick-release nut, vibration damping system, unintentional start protection, soft start, starting current limitation, power button lock | 21500 | Professional angle grinder for performing any work related to cutting and grinding various materials |
| BOSCH GWS 18-125V-LI | 125 | 18 W (battery) | 10000 | 2,3 | Engine protection, charge indication | 25 000 | Convenient model in places without a power connection point |
Additional systems to support tool operation
Angle grinders have become widespread due to their convenience, versatility and reliability. The design of the power tool includes a number of systems that are designed to ensure high performance and safety of working with the tool. The functionality of each model is determined by the manufacturer at the design stage; the list of additional options affects the cost.
That is why, next we will consider additional systems that ensure the operation of an angle grinder and determine how important their presence is for the effective and safe use of the tool.
Inrush current limiting system
When the electric motor is turned on, the load on the motor winding increases abruptly by 6-8 times, which can cause damage to it or trigger the protection. This also generates an impact torque, which is transmitted through the shaft to the gearbox and spindle. The starting current limiting system is an electronic circuit that provides a smooth increase in rotation speed.
The operating principle of this system is to gradually increase the voltage on the windings over a given time. Using an angle grinder becomes safe, and the service life of the electric motor and gearbox increases.
The absence of impact during startup improves cutting accuracy and eliminates the possibility of scoring during grinding.
System for maintaining a constant number of disk revolutions
When the cutting disc comes into contact with the surface being processed, friction occurs, which increases the load on the engine and reduces the rotation speed. The system for maintaining a constant number of disk revolutions compensates for resistance and ensures that the cutting speed is maintained. Stabilization of the spindle rotation speed is carried out through the use of a constant electronic circuit.
There are two ways to maintain speed in angle grinders operating under load: by current or by spindle speed. In the first case, a current consumption sensor is used, which records its value and, as it increases, the circuit increases the voltage on the windings.
Speed control involves the use of a tacheometric sensor that monitors the rotation of the angle grinder. When this indicator decreases, the electronic circuit increases the voltage and, as a result, ensures optimal rotation speed of the equipment. The choice of a method for maintaining a constant rotation speed occurs at the design stage and is carried out taking into account the positive and negative aspects of each method.
Not all models are equipped with such a system; we can say that its presence is desirable, but not necessary.
Restart locking system
During construction work, it is possible that a power outage occurs for a variety of reasons. The angle grinder's anti-restart system prevents the engine from starting unintentionally. When the grinder suddenly stops, the worker most often simply puts the tool aside without checking the position of the switch.
A sudden resumption of power supply in this case can result in injury to the performer or damage to valuable property. For angle grinders equipped with such a system, restarting occurs only after the starter is turned off and pressed again. In this case, the user will need to take the tool in his hands, which means his actions will be meaningful and controlled.
Having such a system is very important and necessary.
Automatic disk balancing system
When using angle grinders, especially with large-diameter equipment, discs or brushes wear unevenly. This leads to imbalance, which manifests itself in the form of vibration, which does not contribute to the accuracy of the operation. Runout negatively affects the condition of the bearings and reduces the service life of the electric motor.
The automatic disk balancing system compensates for the uneven distribution of the mass of the rotating equipment. To stabilize the tool, various technical solutions are used, mainly special bearing designs with fewer balls. This system makes the product more expensive and is usually used on professional models with large diameter discs.
If you are choosing a tool for intensive use on a construction site, then it is best to give preference to models equipped with this system.
Motor overload protection system
When using an angle grinder, the load on the electric drive is not constant and in certain periods can significantly exceed the design value. To protect the engine from overloads, grinders are equipped with special systems that forcibly stop the current supply. In this case, the tool simply stops working and to resume it you must first turn it off and then turn it on again.
There are two ways to protect angle grinders from overheating: by current or by temperature. In the first option, shutdown occurs when limit parameters are exceeded, which are recorded by the electronic module. In another design, a temperature sensor is installed on the engine, which interrupts the power circuit when the parameter goes beyond the set values.
The system ensures the longest tool life but does not in any way affect the quality and safety of the work.
Dust protection system
During the process of grinding surfaces or cutting materials using an angle grinder, a significant amount of dust is generated. It enters the housing with the air flow and causes increased wear; the most vulnerable are the bearings, brush assembly and outer surfaces of the rotor and stator. Metal particles formed during cutting can cause a short circuit between the turns of the winding.
The angle grinder protection system involves the use of the following design and technological solutions:
- Installation of meshes on ventilation openings, and on expensive professional models and filter elements.
- Armoring the stator windings and using cord bands on the rotor.
- The use of closed type bearings.
- The gearbox housing is made as sealed as possible.
- Pouring windings with epoxy resins.
Dust protection systems significantly increase the service life of angle grinders and make them safe during operation, preventing short circuits.
Kickback protection system when equipment jams
A sudden stop of the equipment leads to the generation of torque, which is aimed at turning the angle grinder. In this case, significant efforts arise, and it is impossible to hold the instrument in your hands, and this is already fraught with injuries to the upper limbs and other parts of the body.
The anti-kickback protection system when the equipment jams prevents such a situation from occurring. This is realized in two ways: mechanically or using electronics. In the first option, various types of couplings are used, which operate when there is a sharp increase in resistance to shaft rotation. The second method is based on constant monitoring of current values; if a certain value is exceeded, the power is turned off.
Various manufacturers have their own developments for implementing such protection; its presence is extremely important for professional models with a large circle diameter.
Adjusting the guard without using a key
In this regard, each manufacturer has its own ways of implementing such adjustment, but what they have in common is that changing the position of the protective casing is done quickly and without using a key. This is very convenient when performing certain types of work when you need to constantly change the position of the protective casing. As a rule, it is enough to bend the lever and move the casing to the desired angle.
When using housings that require a key to adjust, repositioning them is somewhat difficult. To make their work easier, users often resort to security violations. Do not clamp the casing completely or remove it altogether. The presence of a keyless casing adjustment system is designed not only to improve the work process but also to discourage the user from rash decisions that grossly violate safety regulations.
Adjusting the protective cover of an angle grinder without a key
Speed adjustment
The spindle rotation speed is adjusted using a wheel located on the tool body. On cheap models, this adjustment may not be available at all. But as practice shows, when performing certain jobs, its presence is very important and allows for better cutting or grinding. For example, when sanding plastic and various paints and varnishes, if the equipment rotates too intensely, the surface being processed can burn.
The best angle grinder with speed control
Angler grinders with speed control are especially convenient when there is a need to perform various types of work.
Bosch GWS 19-125 CIE 060179P002
The best angle grinder in this segment is Bosch GWS19-125 CIE060179P002. It is distinguished by maximum performance and numerous implemented protective functions. The tool has air exhaust and improved dust protection. The angle grinder is easy to use thanks to its ergonomic body with pads for a comfortable grip and an additional handle that can be placed on either side. Long service life is guaranteed thanks to engines equipped with cooling systems and overload protection. The speed ranges from 11500 to 2800 rpm.
Price: RUB 13,279
Bison USHM-125-1100 TM3
“Zubr UShM-125-1100TM3” is an excellent and reliable angle grinder, designed exclusively for garage work and housework. The ergonomic body and the ability to install a second handle on either side provide exceptional convenience to the work process. Thanks to the unique dust protection system, you can be sure that the device will operate smoothly for many years. Electronic speed control makes it easier to work with almost any material. In addition, the model features motor overload protection and an easy access system for brush replacement. Unfortunately, some grinder users report quite high vibration during operation. There is also no soft start.
Price: RUB 3,080
Handles of their types and adjustments
In their classic form, angle grinders have two handles, a main one and an additional one, which is mounted on the gearbox. But in this regard, the tool has many features that are worth considering separately.
One-handed and two-handed angle grinders
There are angle grinders with one and two handles. It should be noted right away that this does not mean that you will hold the tool with one hand when working. It’s just that in a one-handed angle grinder the second hand is located on the body. One-handed angle grinders are available with disc diameters of 115 mm and 125 mm. The main advantage of one-handed angle grinders is their short length, which allows the tool to be used in hard-to-reach places, for example during body work.
The main disadvantage is that they are more difficult to hold while working. Therefore, tools for large-diameter equipment come with only two handles. In any case, holding a tool by two handles is much more convenient and safe than holding it by one handle and the body. Before purchasing a tool, you should hold it in your hands to decide which option is preferable for you.
One-handed and two-handed angle grinders
Attaching an additional handle
On the gearbox housing, it is optimal to have 3 holes - two on the sides and one on top, for attaching an additional handle. This is quite enough for the convenience of performing almost any work. Some manufacturers make more than 3 positions for attaching the handle; whether such functionality is needed is up to the user to decide.
Attaching an additional handle
Adjusting the main handle
The main handle can be rotated relative to the axis of the body. Most often there are 3 positions - neutral and 90° in both directions. This allows you to select the required coverage for better and more convenient work.
Rotating the main handle along the axis
Vibration damping handle
When working with an angle grinder, vibrations occur, to suppress which a special vibration-damping handle is used. Not all models are equipped with such a handle. As a rule, these are more expensive or professional angle grinders. At a quick glance, this does not seem to be such an important detail, but based on professional experience, we can say that the operation of an angle grinder with an anti-vibration handle is more comfortable.
Vibration dampening handle
Cordless angle grinders - features of their choice
Autonomous grinders appeared on the power tool market relatively recently. Such designs use high-capacity lithium-ion batteries that can ensure the operation of the angle grinder for a short period of time. Such technical solutions are currently applicable only to angle grinders with a small disc diameter of 115 and 125 mm.
Using cordless angle grinders at home if there is an electrical outlet is not the best solution:
- Firstly, such models are quite expensive.
- Secondly, their battery life under load is limited.
- Thirdly, rechargeable batteries require constant monitoring and regular charging.
The only advantage of such a tool is the ability to use it in places where there is no power supply. For modern households, this is not a problem, which means choosing a cordless angle grinder is inappropriate. They are bought in case of emergency, when it is not possible to work from a power source.
The main parameter that you should pay attention to when choosing a cordless angle grinder is the battery capacity. Remember that angle grinders consume a fairly large amount of energy, so the larger the battery capacity, the more time you can work with the tool on one charge. All other selection criteria are the same for both cordless and corded angle grinders.
Cordless angle grinder
Types of equipment for an angle grinder: rules for its use and selection
Angle grinders offer exceptional versatility with a wide range of different accessories. The equipment market is very large and can satisfy both the home craftsman and the professional. But even here there may be difficulties associated with selecting the size of the equipment. As mentioned earlier, the most common sizes are 125 mm and 230 mm angle grinders.
You can buy equipment for such a tool at any hardware store. But with equipment for angle grinders 150 mm and 180 mm, problems may arise - this type of tool is not very common. All produced equipment is intended for cutting or grinding a certain type of material or materials and its use on other materials is not allowed. This is the first thing you should pay attention to when choosing it.
The selection of equipment is carried out taking into account the nature of the work performed and the parameters of the angle grinder. It is not allowed to use equipment whose diameter exceeds the maximum permissible wheel diameter for this angle grinder model.
The range of equipment includes the following items.
Cutting wheels
Designed for cutting various materials. When using this type of equipment, the angle between the tool and the surface being processed must be strictly maintained. Cutting discs are used only for well-fixed parts. They come in abrasive and diamond types.
Abrasive cutting discs.
Most often, such circles are used for cutting metal, stone and concrete. The specification of such wheels is noted on their label and is indicated by letters and numbers, for example: A 24 S, where:
- The first letter “A” stands for the grain material from which the circle is made. A - corundum, AS - electrocorundum, C - silicon carbite (used in circles intended for cutting concrete).
- The number, in this case “24,” shows the grain fraction and indicates the specialization of the wheel. For steel this figure will be larger, and for non-ferrous metals it will be smaller.
- The last letter "S" shows the hardness of the ligament. The closer the letter is to the end of the alphabet, the higher the hardness of the ligament.
All these parameters must be selected for the material being processed. Otherwise, the disc may either burn or wear down too quickly. The main rule is that the harder the material being processed, the softer the bond should be.
Abrasive wheels
Diamond cutting discs.
Diamond cutting wheels of various types are highly specialized, designed for use only for working with certain materials:
- “Concrete” type for cutting all types of concrete, including reinforced concrete products.
- The asphalt type is intended for materials with a significant content of abrasives.
- The “building material” type is used for processing ceramic or silicate bricks.
- The “granite” type is used for working on super-hard building materials.
Based on the type of cutting edge, they are divided into segmented, solid + “turbo”:
Segmental
Solid
Turbo
Grinding wheels
Grinding discs
Cup type grinding wheels
Flap End Grinding Wheel
Flap disc grinding wheel
Cup brush with brass bristles
Steel bristle wheel brush
The best professional angle grinder with power from 2000 W
Professional angle grinders with a power of 2000 W or more can work a full shift. As for the materials processed, their list does not differ from the semi-professional segment.
AEG WS24-180V
The powerful angle grinder AEG WS24-180V works with almost all materials thanks to its unique power of 2400 W. The model can work with disks up to 180 mm in diameter. The listed parameters and a spindle speed of up to 6600 rpm allow the grinder to cut particularly durable materials, including thick sheets of metal. It is equipped with a soft start function, spindle lock, protective casing and protection against accidental start. An ergonomic handle with an anti-slip coating, an additional handle with an anti-vibration system, and a locking switch for particularly long work - all this improves the ergonomics of the angle grinder.
Price: RUB 8,119
Stanley STGL2223
The particularly powerful Stanley STGL 2223 angle grinder allows you to perform the most complex grinding and cutting operations. It is quite convenient to work with the tool thanks to the ergonomic shape of the handle and the ability to rotate the gearbox up to 90 degrees relative to the body. In addition, the device is equipped with a safety switch to prevent accidental start-up, overload protection and spindle locking systems. The disadvantage of the model is its heavy weight: as much as 7 kg.
Price: RUB 5,778
Safety regulations
When working with an angle grinder, you must remember that the rotation speed of the disk is from 6,650 to 13,290 rpm and its destruction is accompanied by the scattering of fragments. Therefore, it is strictly forbidden to remove the protective cover, and the operator must use special glasses. When working with power tools, the following safety precautions should be observed:
- It is not allowed to use equipment that does not correspond to the given model in size or has mechanical damage.
- Work gloves must be worn, as well as clear face and neck shields and eye goggles.
- There should be no people in the plane of rotation of the disk.
- To work with a certain material, use only specialized types of equipment.
- The power cord should be placed in such a way that it cannot be damaged.
Neglect of simple safety rules can lead to injury and even death due to damage to vital organs from disc fragments.
In order to understand how to choose an angle grinder (angle grinder) for your home, you need to know what exactly the tool is needed for and how often it will be used. If we take into account the average needs of the homeowner and the list of work being carried out, then we can recommend a network angle grinder with a circle diameter of 125 mm from a well-known manufacturer.
Typically, such a unit is sufficient to perform most jobs. This tool is not expensive, the market is flooded with offers. The user can only determine the purpose by comparing several suitable models to make his choice.
